Post by WarioSajak on Mar 29, 2015 13:38:20 GMT -5

If you refuse, Marty and the crowd will keep egging you on until you finally comply. There's really no way of getting out of it.

That and IMO it hurts your chances of going to the final auditions. If you mention you like to sing, then freeze up after being asked to give a few notes and can't be outgoing at the Wheelmobile, will this hesitancy transfer to the final auditions? Taping day?

For the record, I'm not talking about mentioning you have a talent and then freezing up upon essentially being forced to do it. I'm talking about responding with one of Mick Jagger's famous song lyrics: "You can't always get what you want." Eventually, Marty and the crowd have to give up and move on.

[sarcasm]Besides, I'd think Wheel would prefer people who'd freeze up on the air, since it means they don't have to pay out nearly as much money.[/sarcasm]

I'm not saying you have to dance like Fred Astaire or sing like Judy Garland (wow do I sound old with these references), but they want to see if you can be loose and have fun.........if you bring it up. If you don't want to sing or dance or tell jokes or whatever in front of the crowd........DON'T BRING IT UP!

So...if you sing or dance (semi-)professionally and take it seriously, they'll think you're loose and can have fun if you bring up that it's your occupation? To be honest, I've never been to an audition myself, so I'm kinda on the outside looking in on this one.

The Wheel of Fortune History Wiki, a veritable cornucopia of the show's ups, downs, and all-arounds from its conception in 1973 to the present day, including info and pictures you won't find anywhere else.

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Post by William on Mar 29, 2015 23:59:01 GMT -5

So me and my Mom went yesterday, and we had a great time. On the way there, she read out loud the first post in this thread so we would both know what to expect.

We got there right at 1:00 and the venue was a Honda dealership. There didn't appear to be any parking available still at the dealership itself, so we parked across the street at the credit union (which had a surprisingly, quite empty parking and I was afraid we would get towed).

The Wheelmobile was parked out front (and I must say it is very beautiful in person), and the game took place in a large garage at the very back of the dealership building. The first game had already started when we got there and the line for the second game was beginning to form in the back of the building. Thankfully, it wasn't very hot yesterday and the weather was nice.

We stood in line for right at an hour. There were two food stands near the line, but I had a late breakfast. By the time the second game started, the line was all the way around the building. The men in white shirts came and started handing out the yellow applications about 10 minutes after we got in line. My biggest pet peeve of the day was the fact that there isn't really anything to write on, however I always carry my own pen, so that wasn't a problem. My mom filled hers out on her checkbook and I did mine on her back.

We conversated with the people next to us in line quite a bit. I was able to tell them what all would go on there. Behind us were two women in their 30s and in front of us was a middle aged couple. I noticed the name of the woman in front of us was Karen Carpenter, and I joked with her about singing (They Long To Be) Close To You. I saw that she had wrote down singing as one of her hobbies and I explained to her the singing detail in the interviews (not knowing at the time that Marty did not read the applications himself). This prompted her to get out her phone and start listening and rehearsing said song in case it came down to it. I found that rather amusing.

I knew that there would be people from KXAN at the event, and while we were in line, I spotted weatherman Jim Spencer, whom I've been watching on TV since I was 4.

We finally started heading in just after 2:00. It was said numerous times that there were 1000 people at the first two games. This is probably pretty close.

My mom had told me earlier that she didn't care who we had to shove out of the way, we were standing at the very front... and she wasn't kidding.

The DJ came on stage first and explained the basics of the game. After he left the stage, the 1983 theme started playing (which was the highlight of the day for me). As the theme ended, Marty and Tracey came on stage.

Marty was much more of a character than I expected, but he was enjoyable overall. Tracy did not say much during the day, but made plenty of appropriate facial expressions during Marty's interviews. Almost every time Marty spun the wheel, he said "cheers" and took a drink from his canteen which looked a lot like a beer bottle (and it would not surprise me if it was some sort of alcohol).

Most people who got up on stage were quite likable. There was no one I can think of that really got on my nerves, but there were some people who I knew would not make it very far because they had trouble speaking up and talking clearly.

There was plenty of singing and dancing in both games. I would have said I sing had I been interviewed just for the heck of it. I probably would have sung Burning Love or something.

As far as I can remember, there were no technical difficulties of any sort, including the audience giving away the answer.

There were many puzzles that I got very early on (including one I no-lettered), at which point I would whisper it quietly in my Mom's ear.

Jim Spencer, the weatherman, called the names himself during the first game. There was a funny moment in which an elderly woman who was set for the next round came up on stage early and Marty pretended to call security.

The very first contestant called ended up being a very attractive girl that I had been eyeing while we were in line. Turns out she lives in Minnesota and was just visiting her aunt.

My Mom had been chomping at the bit all day to go take a picture in front of the Wheelmobile, so after the first game was over, that's where we went. I didn't realize how much my feet were hurting until we walked out.

I haven't shaved in a week, so pardon my scruffy look.

On the way back to the line for the third game, we could already tell it would have significantly less people, and Marty had already mentioned that it would be. At this point, we went and got a snack from the food stand. I got chips and a soda and my Mom got a hot dog. We sat down and filled out the blue applications. The line moved into the building pretty quickly this time. If there really were 1000 people in the first two games, the third game probably had about 400.

Jim Spencer was in one corner of the room signing autographs, and I wanted to go meet him, but the game was about to start and he had a lot of people over there in line to see him. I thought I would have a chance to meet him later, but he ended up leaving right after that.

There was very little going over the rules in the third game, but the interviews seemed a bit longer. This time a woman from KXAN called the names. At some point during this game, someone with the first name of "Austin" was called (that's the name I typically go by, and wrote down on the applications), but I got excited for nothing.

Marty himself called the names for the last two rounds, and for the last round, I yelled, "CALL MY NAME, MARTY!"

I wanted to write down all of the puzzles, but didn't get a chance to. Here are all of the ones I can remember:

Post by ten96lt on Mar 30, 2015 9:41:23 GMT -5

That and IMO it hurts your chances of going to the final auditions. If you mention you like to sing, then freeze up after being asked to give a few notes and can't be outgoing at the Wheelmobile, will this hesitancy transfer to the final auditions? Taping day?

For the record, I'm not talking about mentioning you have a talent and then freezing up upon essentially being forced to do it. I'm talking about responding with one of Mick Jagger's famous song lyrics: "You can't always get what you want." Eventually, Marty and the crowd have to give up and move on.

[sarcasm]Besides, I'd think Wheel would prefer people who'd freeze up on the air, since it means they don't have to pay out nearly as much money.[/sarcasm]

I'm not saying you have to dance like Fred Astaire or sing like Judy Garland (wow do I sound old with these references), but they want to see if you can be loose and have fun.........if you bring it up. If you don't want to sing or dance or tell jokes or whatever in front of the crowd........DON'T BRING IT UP!

So...if you sing or dance (semi-)professionally and take it seriously, they'll think you're loose and can have fun if you bring up that it's your occupation? To be honest, I've never been to an audition myself, so I'm kinda on the outside looking in on this one.

Of the 3 Wheelmobiles I went to in a span of 7 years, I didn't encounter anyone who went on stage that sang or danced professionally, so I don't know if Marty would ask them to sing also. My comments refer to the people who went on stage and mentioned something along the lines of what they like to do as, "I enjoy karaoke" or "I sing in my church group" etc, which of course Marty is going to try and have you belt a few tunes. If you clam up at that opportunity, I can imagine the people deciding who goes to the final audition worrying you'll clam up on TV also.

Post by Prizes on Mar 30, 2015 11:17:33 GMT -5

Of the 3 Wheelmobiles I went to in a span of 7 years, I didn't encounter anyone who went on stage that sang or danced professionally, so I don't know if Marty would ask them to sing also.

Yes he would, just to be sure! I have an example--my friend Richard, preacherman, who got on the show, when called up, talked about his life and mentioned that he had not only directed a community chorus, but also released a single, and had either an EP or something of the sort coming out sooner than later. Marty asked him to show us some of what he had done or a sample, and did so, quite impressively, I might add. Of course, it was a very good performance in its quality, and he got solid, genuine claps for about 30-60 straight seconds, without interruption.

Of course, there's the minor disclosure/caveat that he normally helps run/own a flower shop, but really singing is significant enough to him to the point where I'd call it professionally. Heck, I think he tried out for Idol last September or something, not sure.

Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience. ------- "It is not what he has, nor even what he does, which directly expresses the worth of a man, but what he is." - Henri Frederic Amiel

Thank you to all of the amazing members, staffers, and alumni, for nearly eight great years...

Post by toasty on Mar 30, 2015 12:23:30 GMT -5

I'm working my way through the pictures right now, but I'll start with my story first. The first show was at 1, and the instructions said doors would open at noon. I had a soccer game and a volunteer event Saturday morning, so I pulled up to First Texas Honda at 12:10.... and started waiting in line in my car just to get in the parking lot. I think I parked in the wrong place but it worked out. Walked with the kids through the large parking lot, and got to the line at exactly 12:22pm. I got an orange application only for the nice folks handing out the applications to yell out that there were only ten applications left. So I started frantically calling one of my friends to see if she was already there (thankfully she was) which is how I know what time it was when they ran out of applications. Because I was at the end, I didn't get to put my application in the box - someone came by to take them from us. Those who didn't get an orange app for the first show were generally kept behind the line for the second show - so they could have the first chance at applications. My friend's husband was not interested in applying, nor was my other friend and they just came up front ahead of that line, no problem.

Since I was one of the last ones in, we ended up towards the back. So that's why the pictures are so crappy - I was holding the camera over my head and trying to keep it focused on the board. The board was initially blank but they put FIRST TEXAS HONDA up shortly after I got there. We did the cheering, clapping thing, then the WHEEL OF FORTUNE thing (twice) and then they went through the list of rules etc. They also introduced Tracy and Marty in there somewhere. I missed some of this because my older child had to go potty. I made it back in time for them to start drawing names and playing games.

The vast majority of the time was spent attempting to interview people. There were some good, entertaining interviews but also some extremely painfully shy people or people who just wouldn't share much about themselves. Please, if you go, do not talk about how much you love wheel of fortune or love to read or love your kids/grandkids unless it's unique (One person said she didn't tell her kids she was going to the audition so she wouldn't have to babysit her grandkids, and that was funny. Someone else has a weekly wheel of fortune party night with their neighbors, also meets the threshold of interesting). It gets really repetitive. Notre Dame singer guy was interesting, there was an older gentlmen who was an author and said he was married to the hottest 75 year old around, a guy who demonstrated air drumming (sorry forgot about that earlier) and a lady who has 24 snakes that aren't named because when you name them, they die. There was also a woman who talked about her very special road trip to colorado to visit certain newly legal businesses (look, guys, this is Austin.... alright alright alright?). There were a handful of other vaguely memorable interviews, and a bunch of people who were "enjoying retirement".

In between interviews they played the rounds. I didn't see a lot of terrible game play - I only remember one used letter call - but people were also not calling vowels much either. The audience wasn't being very good about, you know, not loudly guessing the puzzle at a couple of points, so Marty called them out on that. Some of the rounds went on longer than I would have thought, and a couple were solved earlier than I would have thought as well. So pretty normal variation

After the last group was called, they released people out the side door to get in line for the next show, and the place emptied out. I moved up front, which is why the pictures get better toward the end! They did the last two rounds of interviews and game play, and it was great getting to see it from up front. I hope if I get to go again someday that I'm able to watch from closer up.

This is not the best review, by the way, because my toddler decided running away from our group at random was the most fun thing to do ever. So I spent a lot of time chasing him down.

Overall, it was fun! I was really glad to get to go, even if it was only for one show, and I wished it hadn't been on some other weekend so I could have dumped the kids on my husband and camped out there the whole time. But my friend and I both had a blast and it was definitely an experience! Marty and Tracy did a great job keeping it moving and entertaining. Pictures to follow. And I may come back to add more as a remember it

Post by toasty on Mar 30, 2015 12:43:34 GMT -5

Post by toasty on Mar 30, 2015 12:53:59 GMT -5

Category: Fun and Games

Category: Occupation

This picture shows the woman who was dutifully filming all the on stage contestants.

Contestant waiting area

Cardboard Pat Cutout

Calling letters

IIRC, one of the following women heard about the naming the snake trick and wish she had known about that when her son had a snake, another wanted to know if she should rename her cat so it would die (yikes!) and the other went to Colorado on a special trip. These factoids are not necessarily in order to protect the guilty.

Post by toasty on Mar 30, 2015 16:46:00 GMT -5

In case anyone doesn't want to click on all the pictures, here were all eight puzzles in the first game:PLAYING HANGMANACCORDION PLAYERMONTHLY PAYMENTSPILLOW FIGHTPEANUTS AND POPCORNFREELANCE WRITERWORKING OVERTIMEKNOCKOUT & FRUIT PUNCH

Post by kevin on Jun 6, 2015 21:55:59 GMT -5

I was also at the Forsyth event today! My mom got called up during the first show and solved "SANDRA BULLOCK" and I was called up during the second show and took a selfie with Marty and solved "THE AMAZON RIVER." I think I did well enough to get a final audition, but I was extremely nervous and did talk a bit fast. However, Marty kept the interview going with several follow up questions (I'm a "Mad Scientist".) I quickly took a selfie with Marty before my interview which got a few laughs and I think made me stick out. I also "went bananas" and jumped up and down when I solved my puzzle. Here's a pic of the swag I won (the prize wheel landed on the "SURPRISE" wedge):

I was surprised at the auditions Marty said we would receive emails within a month as that's very quick compared to what I've read here. Good luck to everyone wheelmobiling this summer!

Post by acwof on Apr 7, 2018 19:39:52 GMT -5

Hi, everyone. This is acwof.

For those of you that may not know already, the Wheelmobile, (one of the ways you can audition to be on Wheel of Fortune), will be headed to Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina next week, on April 14 and April 15. (You can find more information in the "Wheelmobile Tour Info" thread.)

I will be going to the Wheelmobile event in Raleigh, and possibly Durham if I do not get selected in Raleigh.

Since this will be my first ever Wheelmobile event, I have a few questions that I would like to ask.

Before I ask my questions, please note that I HAVE looked at the [prior pages of the] "So you are going to a Wheelmobile event?" thread for information regarding how Wheelmobile events work, and tips on how to be successful at Wheelmobile auditions.

1. Does it matter what you wear to the Wheelmobile event? I know you have to dress up for the final audition, but is it okay to "dress down" for a Wheelmobile event?

2. Does getting to a Wheelmobile event really early still have its benefits?

Every time I read an article about a Wheelmobile event, the article stresses how you do not need to show up early, but I have heard that it is beneficial to arrive early, and be one of the first people in line. I intend to do this, anyway, but I just want to know if there are still any benefits to being one of the first in line, if any.

3. I like to participate in the Wheel of Fortune Twitter Toss-Up every week. Not to toot my own horn, but I have had my moments of being the first solver on a few of the puzzles, and have been recognized for it.

If I get called up on stage, (I already have a script ready as to what I am going to say if that happens), is my name going to ring a bell for anyone working at the Wheelmobile event? In other words, is participating in the Wheel of Fortune Twitter Toss-Up going to help me any in my audition?

Thank you in advance for those that answer my questions. I look forward to attending the Wheelmobile event(s), and will update this thread about my experience.

Also, if you intend on going to this Wheelmobile event, as well, let me know down below! I would love to meet some fellow BuyAVowel members!

Post by Prizes on Apr 7, 2018 21:59:51 GMT -5

1) Not particularly, just keep it family friendly. A fair share of people participating might just be stopping by the area. The events I've been to, most people are in everyday wear, save for the production staff, but that's an obviously separate matter.

2) To some extent, if you want to be close to the board and ensure your name is dropped in the maximum amount of times, I'd say in those respects. But that's about it. Those are pretty good ones, that and having a good chance to chat up your fellow audience, it's nice to have but still.

3) Nah. Don't mention this, period. That goes for Wheelmobile, audition, show. They want to know about your life outside of Wheel, outside of game shows. What sells you to an audience above anyone else? Are you the common man who can light up the room with laughter? A great orator who has the strangest stories? A special skill? Emil in particular is a name that rings a bell here, with his ability to stack cups at a breakneck pace. They like dad jokes, in particular. The only way it might help you is just knowing the game wheel, and an ability to solve quickly.

I've studied this event and the auditions way too much to try to not give the best answers for these. So, please, ask away! Likewise, if this thread becomes dead again, no worries, if it's stickied, we do not mind if it's bumped. Threads like these are particularly here to help people through their journey from a fan of various degrees to a taping day in Culver City.

Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience. ------- "It is not what he has, nor even what he does, which directly expresses the worth of a man, but what he is." - Henri Frederic Amiel

Thank you to all of the amazing members, staffers, and alumni, for nearly eight great years...

Post by acwof on Apr 8, 2018 13:07:39 GMT -5

3) Nah. Don't mention this, period. That goes for Wheelmobile, audition, show. They want to know about your life outside of Wheel, outside of game shows. What sells you to an audience above anyone else? Are you the common man who can light up the room with laughter? A great orator who has the strangest stories? A special skill? Emil in particular is a name that rings a bell here, with his ability to stack cups at a breakneck pace. They like dad jokes, in particular. The only way it might help you is just knowing the game wheel, and an ability to solve quickly.

Now that you have brought this up, I may as well share my transcript for what I would say to Marty Lublin if I get selected in Raleigh or Durham. I've watched videos of Wheelmobile auditions where people who are selected are being interviewed, so I have somewhat of an idea as to what he asks potential contestants when conducting interviews.

Here is my transcript: When Marty Lublin asks me to introduce myself: "Hello, my name is (my name). I am 23 years old, and I came here all the way from (where I live), which is (this far from my state's capital/a major city in my state)." When Marty asks me what I do for a living: "Well, I am a recent college graduate from (the university where I graduated) in (this degree). I am currently unemployed, but while I am looking for work, I have lots of interests and hobbies that keep me busy." When Marty asks me what these interests/hobbies are: "One of my favorite hobbies/interests is listening to music. I am a huge fan of punk rock music, and my favorite bands include Green Day and Blink 182. I also like to write fanfiction."

(Marty may ask me what fanfiction is, so I have to find a way to describe fanfiction in the briefest way possible.) If Marty asks me if I have a special talent: "Well, I have this talent where if you give me a certain day of the year, such as your birthday, and you ask me what day your birthday will fall on in a certain year, I can tell you within a short period of time." (My talent is hard to explain, and this is the best way I can describe it.)

(Marty, of course, will want me to demonstrate, so I am ready to show off my talent, if needed.)

This is what I am hoping to say to Marty if I get selected to come up on stage, and audition. Does anyone think that this is enough information for an interview? Is it also appropriate, and something that makes me stand out?

Post by acwof on Apr 16, 2018 11:25:26 GMT -5

Hi, everyone. This is acwof.

Not only did I just get back from Maryland to witness my sister’s baby boy (which was born this past Thursday), but I also just got back from the Wheelmobile event in Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina. I thought it would be nice to share about my experience with you all.

This is going to be a long post, so please bare with me. I tried to explain everything in the briefest way possible.

I ended up going to both Wheelmobile events, because when I went to the event in Raleigh on Saturday, I applied for all three shows (1:00pm, 2:30pm, and 4:00pm), but did not get chosen for either of the three shows.

The Wheelmobile event for Raleigh was held at the Crabtree Valley Mall. I got there at 8:30 am, and ended up being the first person in line. Other people started showing up as the day progressed. I’m not sure how many people showed up, overall, but I heard there was a lot of traffic near the Crabtree Valley Mall, that day.

At the Raleigh Wheelmobile event, there were a fair share of people who said they could sing, dance, etc., One person who said he could sing even serenaded to Mallory (the Vanna for both Wheelmobile events).

I do not remember all of the puzzles from Saturday’s Wheelmobile event, but here were some that I remembered:

I know it’s not much, but the entire event has since been a blur to me.

And, of course, there were a few face palm moments. (People calling B, D, etc. as their first letter, people trying to solve before calling a letter, repeated letters, etc.) B-|

Even though I was not called up, I still had a lot of fun.

Since I did not get selected for any of the shows in Raleigh, I went to the event in Durham on Sunday (yesterday). The event was held inside The Streets of Southpoint. The event was supposed to be outside, but it was moved to indoors because of potential bad weather. (Thank goodness, too, because parts of North Carolina had some pretty bad weather, yesterday.)

Although I got there early, I was not the first person in line (maybe the sixth or seventh person in line, but still at the front).

My mother and I were hoping that I would get selected in Durham (preferably for the first or second show, same times as the Raleigh event), because we had a long drive ahead of us.

I was not picked for the first show, but I do remember some puzzles from the first show:

There were once again, some facepalm moments, such as the example I described above.

There were not any singers, but we had a few dancers, and a few people even said they could play instruments, and performed the instruments they could play air-style.

Also, between shows at both events, there was some music. The music was mostly modern pop tunes from a few years ago to today. (The Edge of Glory by Lady GaGa and Tonight, Tonight by Hot Chelle Rae were being played at the Durham event between the first and second shows.)

I went back in line for the second show (my mom held my place in line), and guess what….

.…I was picked for the FIRST ROUND of the second show (And my name was only the SECOND name called, to boot.)

My group consisted of three women and two men (including me). One of the women from my group showed off a tap dancing talent.

I think my interview with Marty went well. I did not stammer or ramble, and I even got the crowd involved in the interview when I mentioned how I liked listening to bands such as Green Day and Blink 182.

My group’s puzzle was POWER COUPLE (People). I guessed 2 letters (E & P, respectively), and solved the puzzle for my group. The prize my group won was a hat, keychain, and blinky pin. (For almost all of the rounds, the “Hat” wedge was landed on the most out all of the other prize wedges.)

My mom and I left immediately after my group was finished, so I did not stay for the rest of the event. (Good thing, too, because by the time we left, the bad weather was just starting to hit the area.)

Overall, I think I did very well on stage. I paid attention to the rules, I had a wonderful interview with Marty, and I did not hesitate when calling letters or solving the puzzle. I even celebrated when I solved the puzzle (high-fiving Marty and my fellow hopefuls), as Marty told us to do so.

Hopefully, I’ll hear back for a final audition sometime soon. (I was told that if we were notified for a final audition, it would be sometime later in the summer, so it will be a while, anyway.)

I had a fantastic time at both Wheelmobile events, and I was so glad to be selected to go up on stage. Even if I do not hear back, I at least can say I got to go up on stage, let alone solve a puzzle.

I hope my experience helps anybody else out who plans to go to a future Wheelmobile event.

Post by acwof on Jun 4, 2018 14:17:28 GMT -5

It's been almost two months since I attended the Wheelmobile event in Durham, North Carolina.

I've been checking my email constantly for that magical invitation for a final audition (including my junk/spam email).

Although I was told it would not be until sometime in the summer if we get an email or letter regarding final auditions, I have some concerns/questions about receiving a letter/email for final auditions from attending a Wheelmobile event.

1. When it comes to Wheelmobile auditions, and having the final auditions in the same area where the Wheelmobile was, does the casting crew ever consider those that auditioned who are OUTSIDE of the area?

I am from Georgia, and while it's not too bad of a drive from where I am in Georgia to Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina, I think that this might be a reason as to why I may not receive an invitation for a final audition, because I am not from that area.

2. I am 23 years old, to be 24 in October, and I look very young for my age. I've had my moments of people telling me that I look younger than my actual age.

Except for Teen Best Friends Week and College Week, we usually do not see a lot of young people on Wheel of Fortune. Sometimes, we do, but not all of the time.

Do you think that my young age, in addition to me looking younger than my actual age, will be a downfall for me not moving on to the final auditions?

Thank you in advance for your answers. I'm being very patient as I wait to hopefully get that final audition email/letter; I am just concerned about other factors, besides my enthusiasm and gameplay, that could cause me to not get the invitation.

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